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My children have been dying to sleep outside this summer. It all started with the construction of a new clubhouse spacious enough to sleep three little ones. I actually joined in on the campaign once I found out about the Great American Backyard Campout . Saturday, June 28 was a special day where families nationwide were encouraged to camp outside and enjoy the great outdoors. The Web site gave some great ideas for games, songs, food preparation and more. We gathered our sleeping bags, flashlights and glow sticks, marked the clubhouse with a "Camp Chenevert" sign, and swore to stay out for the duration of the night.

The time flew by as we went on a scavenger hunt, listened for frogs and crickets and created ghost stories (maybe that wasn't a good idea). However, we couldn't control South Louisiana's summer thunderstorms, and thunder and lightning came crashing in just as everyone settled into the sleeping bags. What followed was a long night of little ones struggling with the desire to accomplish the mission we had so well planned, but terrified of the weather and stories they recently heard. Luckily they turned down my offer to sleep in the clubhouse with them, and by 10 p.m. we were all in our soft and comfortable beds. We will try again in the fall with cool weather, a tent and an air mattress!

Another good idea for enjoying a cool summer evening as a family is to join the BREC Zoo's Twilight Safaris. Participants can take a guided twilight tram tour around the zoo from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 9, 16 and 23. The cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children ages 2 to 12, and a snack is provided during the tour. Registration is required by calling 775-3877 (Option 2) to reserve your seats.